Garage torsion spring tool
- Thread starter CarLuver
- Start date
That's actually pretty cool. I'll bet it is braced against the wall when winding the spring.
FYI, one can install better springs, with a lower failure rate. Step up in wire diameter, and in number of turns. The tension is the same, the stress on the spring is far lower. Also, coat the spring with 'corrosion inhibiting compound'. As rust causes stress risers.
FYI, one can install better springs, with a lower failure rate. Step up in wire diameter, and in number of turns. The tension is the same, the stress on the spring is far lower. Also, coat the spring with 'corrosion inhibiting compound'. As rust causes stress risers.
This works ! but also if done carelessly or not paying attention one slip can easily break you're arm
AZjeff
$50 Site Donor 2023
We've all heard this and I think it was made up by installers to get more business. Agree there's stored energy in a wound up spring and one of the winding rods could give you a good hard hit if it rotated 180 degrees before it hit but I can't figure out how someone could have it happen. I've replaced 3 sets of torsion springs and you have to be deliberate and pay attention but it isn't sketchy or feel dangerous. Online sources mention broken limbs and concussions, more likely caused by falling off the ladder if the winding bar slips and the commotion scares the DIYer IMO. I had to replace the springs on a 5 year old door and they came with nice plated rods with plastidip handles. Kept the springs lubed from new and the tension was correct so it was a flawed spring.
The power winder is cool but I bet it takes a pro installer 5 minutes or less to tension the springs.
Former garage door installer here, and I worked for the man that designed that tool in the 1970's. It may take a pro 5 minutes to wind a residential torsion spring, but that tool is for the commercial market. Try winding an 8 inch diameter spring assembly with 4 springs on a 16 foot tall door with winding bars off an extension ladder and you'll wish you had that machine.
AZjeff
$50 Site Donor 2023
Great first person knowledge b4autodark, thanks for sharing. How many were produced?
Thanks for the info. they were asking $300 for the tool and it sold. Such an interesting and specialized tool.
Kestas
Staff member
Same here. I just wanted to say don't do this task if you are tired, rushed, or in a bad mood.
Ignorance has a price.
I couldn't tell you how many were produced, he ran that company separate from the door company and I didn't stay in that industry very long.
